2001 Kia Rio LS review from North America
"This was NOT a well made car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
After nine months, the transmission shifter became difficult to move. It took another six months and three dealerships before the transmission was replaced.
After ten months the starter failed on the Sunday of a long weekend. The car was out of service for another three days.
At nineteen months the second transmission failed. Reverse disappeared, Drive was sluggish, and the Overdrive occasionally cut out. The car was in a U.S. dealership for nine days while KIA U.S. and Canada worked out who paid for the repairs. I was without a car during that time.
General comments?
I would like KIA to take this car back. I'm finished with KIA.
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  | A Lemon, Lemon, Lemon!!! |
| Unreliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 5/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 56000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Hyundai Accent |
| Date of Entry | 31st May, 2003 |